U.S. patent application number 10/168501 was filed with the patent office on 2003-05-15 for frame for objects that open out, such as umbrellas.
Invention is credited to Cassagne, Serge.
Application Number | 20030089388 10/168501 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 9553527 |
Filed Date | 2003-05-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030089388 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Cassagne, Serge |
May 15, 2003 |
Frame for objects that open out, such as umbrellas
Abstract
The structure, for the radial deployment of branches (7) about a
mast (1) bearing a slide (6, 8) mobile between a position of
deployment and a position of folding of the branches (7), is
noteworthy in that each branch (7) is mounted pivotally, at a
predetermined intermediary pivot point (9), on one end of a
retaining arm (4), working in extension upon the passage to the
position of deployment, in order to hold the intermediate point (9)
at a given distance from an apex (5) of the mast to which is
connected an apical end of the arm (4), retention being exerted
against the action of the slide (6, 8) moving away from the apex
(5) an end, hinge mounted, controlling deployment of the branch
(7).
Inventors: |
Cassagne, Serge; (Paris,
FR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
FINNEGAN, HENDERSON, FARABOW, GARRETT &
DUNNER LLP
1300 I STREET, NW
WASHINGTON
DC
20006
US
|
Family ID: |
9553527 |
Appl. No.: |
10/168501 |
Filed: |
September 19, 2002 |
PCT Filed: |
December 19, 2000 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/FR00/03586 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
135/25.32 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45B 25/02 20130101;
A45B 25/14 20130101; A45B 19/00 20130101; A45B 15/00 20130101; A45B
2023/0012 20130101; A45B 25/22 20130101; A01D 46/26 20130101; A01D
2046/262 20130101; A45B 2019/008 20130101; A45B 2025/105 20130101;
A45B 23/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
135/25.32 |
International
Class: |
A45B 019/10 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 21, 1999 |
FR |
99/16119 |
Claims
1. Structure for the radial deployment of branches (7) about a mast
(1) bearing a slide (6, 8) mobile between a position of deployment
and a position of folding of the branches (7), characterised by the
fact that each branch (7) is mounted pivotally, at a predetermined
intermediary pivot point (9), on one end of a retaining arm (4),
working in extension upon the passage to the position of
deployment, in order to hold the intermediate point (9) at a given
distance from an apex (5) of the mast to which is connected an
apical end of the arm (4), retention being exerted against the
action of the slide (6, 8) moving away from the apex (5) an end,
hinge mounted, controlling deployment of the branch (7).
2. Structure according to claim 1, comprising first covering means
(15), borne by the arms (4), and second covering means (11) borne
by a section of each branch (7) radially external in relation to
the intermediate pivot point (9) and folded back, about a free end
of the external section, to be connected to means of radial
retention in the area (14) of a section of branch radially internal
in relation to the pivot point (9).
3. Structure according to claim 2, in which the first covering
means (15) and the second covering means (11) are removable, the
second covering means (11) comprising hems (12) for receiving the
free ends of the external sections of the branches (7) and the
means of radial retention being arranged to ensure that the second
covering means (11) are kept under tension.
4. Structure according to one of claims 2 and 3, in which the first
covering means (15) comprise a central orifice, for the passage of
an end section of the mast (1) arranged to receive a capping end
piece (3), and a peripheral zone of the first covering means (15)
is arranged to co-operate with means for keeping the first covering
means (15) under tension.
5. Structure according to one of claims 1 to 4, in which there is
provided, on the periphery of the second covering means (11), a hem
(18) for receiving a flexible tie (19), in a loop of adjustable
length, as a safeguard against the branches (7) going beyond the
deployed position.
6. Structure according to one of claims 1 to 5, to limit a useful
volume beyond the apex (5) of the mast (1), in which the slide (6,
8) has a sliding length greater than the length of the arms (4), in
order to enable the branches (7), at the time of deployment, to
fold back towards the arms (4).
7. Structure according to one of claims 1 to 6, of the grapnel
type, comprising a pin (25) for restricting the travel of the slide
(6, 8) through cooperation with two respective holes in the mast
(1) and in the slide (6, 8), one of the holes being an axial groove
with a length corresponding to a travel distance of the slide (6,
8) permitting passage between the folded back position and a
position with a predetermined deployment.
8. Structure according to one of claims 1 to 7, in which the mast
(1) comprises two sections connected by a folding hinge (23)
located in a travel range of the slide (6, 8), so as to make it
possible, in the folded back position, to fold the mast (1) and, in
deployed position, to keep the two sections of the mast (1) aligned
by locking the joint of the mast (1) by the slide (6, 8).
9. Structure according to one of claims 1 to 8, for, in particular,
a foldable umbrella, in which each branch (7) comprises two
mutually hinged segments (9'), with the radially outer segment
extending towards the mast (1) beyond the mutual joint (9'), to
provide the intermediate point (9) of pivoting on the arm (4).
10. Structure according to one of claims 1 to 9, comprising an
axial spring (22) biasing the slide (6, 8) away from the apex (5)
of the mast (1), by bearing on a zone of the apex (5).
11. Structure according to claim 10, in which the mast (1)
comprises an axial housing for the coil spring (22).
12. Structure according to one of claims 1 to 11, comprising a
means for operating the slide (6, 8), extending substantially
radially in relation to the mast (1), to move the slide (6, 8)
towards a base part of the mast (1).
13. Structure according to one of claims 1 to 12, in which the
slide (6, 8) is a tube surrounding the mast (1).
Description
[0001] The present invention relates to a system for fastening and
operating a frame bearing, or otherwise, a covering, which forms
the structure of an umbrella, a parasol, a garden sunshade or stall
cover, an awning, a spatial antenna, a floating anchor or drogue, a
grapnel, a spray lance or a fruit gathering device, and the
function of which is commonly to protect persons from climatic
precipitation, solar radiation or other phenomena and, in more
particular ways, to pick up waves, to collect particles in powder
form or fruit, or to slow down, or even anchor, a vehicle, in the
case of the floating anchor, or drogue, or the grapnel.
[0002] In the case of the umbrella or parasol, the conventional
article takes the form of a covering, also known as a `cloth`,
arranged on a structure composed of branches, also known as `ribs`,
in the case of the longer branches, located on the upper part, the
others, located in lower positions, and referred to as `forks`,
serving to operate the former. The ribs are hinged on a mast via a
piece known as the `shoulder`, and the forks are hinged on said
mast via a ring known as a `slide ring`.
[0003] Traditionally, articles such as umbrellas and parasols are
opened by moving upwards the slide ring to which are fixed the
forks in the form of hinged arms which drive the ribs bearing the
covering. They are closed by proceeding in the reverse manner, with
the slide ring travelling down towards the handle. This type of
fastening has several drawbacks. Firstly, given that, in the
conventional system, the article can have two positions of
equilibrium, the normal one when the ribs bearing the cloth form an
angle of less than 90.degree. in relation to the mast, and the
other, so-called "reversal" or "inside out" position, when these
same cloth-bearing ribs form an angle of more than 90.degree. in
relation to the mast. Secondly, given that, in the conventional
system, the covering is permanently fixed, this makes it impossible
to replace it easily, or to remove it in order to repair or clean
it. Thirdly, given that, in the conventional system, the pointed
ends of the ribs project beyond the cloth, there is a definite risk
to the eyes of persons in their vicinity. Finally, fourthly, in the
conventional system, although they are very ingenious, the devices
for making these articles collapsible or foldable, are complicated
and fragile.
[0004] The device according to the invention makes it possible to
overcome the four drawbacks aforementioned.
[0005] In addition, in the particular case umbrella or sunshade of
the so-called stall cover type, this device has four advantages
over similar conventional articles. Firstly, this device enables
the objects to be displayed to be attached more easily and
efficiently. Secondly, it facilitates opening as the covering is
deployed by pushing towards the ground the exterior part of the
mast, instead of applying an upward force. Thirdly, in the event of
two cloths being used, it enables warm air and insects to escape
upwards and, fourthly, it offers both the three safeguards against
the umbrella turning inside out, and an additional safeguard
against its blowing away since, if pressures are too strong, it can
turn inside out and upwards without breaking.
[0006] In the case of protection for a spray lance, this device is
entirely novel; it would be useful in protecting gardeners, in
particular, when they spray toxic products with a hand pump or
compressor type lance.
[0007] In the case of the fruit gathering device, this makes
picking easier, with screening of leaves and twigs, etc., than with
the devices used, which are generally tarpaulins placed on the
ground.
[0008] As to the conventional grapnel, this generally has its
branches, or so-called claws, already in open position.
Nonetheless, some grapnels have a hinge system in which the claws
are deployed just before the device is thrown or launched, by
rotating the claws, holding them perpendicular to the axis, in a
fixed manner thanks to a locking ring. This type of fastening has
several drawbacks. Firstly, given that, in the conventional system,
the deployed article is locked in open position, it cannot be
disengaged if the claws are trapped in an obstacle. Secondly, given
that, in the conventional system, the article is opened, when this
is possible, before being thrown, unwanted braking can occur at the
time of throwing, but there is also a potential risk when
storing.
[0009] The device according to the invention enables these two
drawbacks to be overcome since this grapnel is thrown in closed
position and since it can open its claws and thus disengage
itself.
[0010] Patent FR 760 703 discloses an umbrella comprising a staff
or pole a along which slides a long tube e bearing pivoting ribs d.
A covering cloth c, bearing axially on a cap b at the apex of pole
a, is fixed on the periphery to the free ends of ribs d, so as to
be taut when the umbrella is in folded position. The whole then
forms a flattened triangle, with one large outer side (the taut
cloth), one large inner side (the rib) still slightly inclined on
the axis of pole a and, at the apex, a small side slightly
oppositely inclined, that is to say bearing cap b projects radially
in relation to the point of attachment of rib d on long tube e. As
a result, the triangle is opened by pulling long tube e towards the
base of pole a. It is cloth c that serves as a taut, pulling member
which forces the outer end of rib d to describe an arc of a circle
about cap b when its top inner end, supporting ribs d, moves away
from cap b. This umbrella is thus perfectly functional with only
the aforementioned members. It further comprises a bearing member f
or i or l. This bearing member only plays a part when the umbrella
is (already) in open position. Its function is to prevent ribs d
from reversing, that is to say from continuing their opening
movement. The bearing member can be a rod f or a chain i for
retention towards the base, thus acting in traction. It can also be
an abutment spacer rod l, thus acting in compression. It is
indicated that it is a "bearing" member, that is to say a member
having a static function, which is functional only in open
position. Its function is to lock: it opposes the action of the
operating means beyond a certain travel distance of the latter. It
is a stop, which applies no traction to the ribs when the umbrella
is deployed. Furthermore, FIG. 3 and the corresponding text contain
no technical teaching as the assembly described cannot perform the
intended function. Bearing spacer l of FIG. 3 cannot, in fact,
perform its function as a stop to limit the opening of ribs d: it
is integral with a sleeve n sliding over rib d, so that, if an
upward force is exerted by the wind, spacer l slides, increasing
the length of the base section of rib d, and thus does not exert
any bearing effect.
[0011] The invention comprises, in fact, according to a first
feature, a mast composed of two parts sliding one in the other, the
internal part being longer than the external part. According to the
invention, short, hinged arms known as `forks` are fastened to the
interior part of said mast by a circular hinging device known as a
`shoulder`. According to the invention, long branches, which will
be referred to as `ribs`, are attached to the external part of the
same mast by a circular hinging device known as a `slide ring`.
Furthermore, each fork is hinged on a rib at a position appropriate
for the function to be performed by the article. It is the relative
sliding movement between these two parts of the mast that ensures
the closing and the opening of the article since, in folded
position, the external part of the mast is in upper position, that
is to say with the slide ring close to the shoulder, hence close to
the apex of the object. Movement of the slide ring away from the
shoulder drives downwards the hinged part of the rib on the slide
ring. But said rib is then pulled upwards since it is, itself,
hinged on a fork also fastened to the shoulder at the apex of the
internal part of the mast. What has just been described above
justifies the fact that the system is described as "inverted"
since, in similar conventional articles, it is a movement towards
the apex, and not downwards, as in the case of the invention, that
deploys the covering and, in addition, it is the forks, located in
a lower position, that push the ribs in similar conventional
articles, whereas, in the invention, the forks are in an upper
position in relation to the ribs and pull them towards the apex.
The ribs may vary in number, from 6 to 12, in relation to the
function to be performed by the article, for example 8 in the case
of conventional umbrellas and parasols. The length of the ribs can
also vary according to the intended use; for example, the two
extreme cases are those of very short ribs in anchors and grapnels
(they are referred to as claws) and of very long forks in the case
of a stall cover.
[0012] According to a second feature, the invention comprises an
innovation with regard to its covering, since the latter can take
two different forms provided with several types of fastening. When
the object of the invention is not foldable, this original
structure can receive a single covering of the conventional type,
permanently fixed, but this considerably restricts the possible
applications of this innovation since the latter makes it easy to
receive a removable covering composed of two separate parts, a
cloth referred to as an upper one, given the normal orientation of
the article, covering the forks, and a so-called lower cloth borne
by the ribs. When the object of the invention is foldable, there is
also this dual choice, namely a single-cloth covering or a
two-cloth covering. Nonetheless, in the case of the foldable
article, the single-cloth covering is also removable since the
ribs, by bending, allow the cloth to be installed. A single cloth
can also be an advantageous solution in the case of a stall
cover.
[0013] This so-called inverted system, which is the object of the
present invention, has the advantage of precluding the risk of
"turning inside out" in the case of umbrellas, for two reasons that
derive from the system. In the case of an umbrella, the external
part of the mast being locked in lower position by the handle, it
has only one position of equilibrium, the functional open position.
Indeed, as the forks are longer than the parts of the ribs located
between the points of attachment of said ribs on the slide ring and
the points of attachment of ribs and forks to one another, it is
impossible for the ribs to exceed the critical angle of 90.degree.,
the critical position that resulted in the umbrella turning inside
out, as in a similar conventional system. Secondly, in the most
favourable case, wherein the article has two cloths, the air can
flow through the spaces between these two cloths and thus be
evacuated without causing any problems.
[0014] In order to enhance this safeguard against turning inside
out, especially in the case peculiar to the covering formed of a
single cloth, there can be provided a system involving a cord
running through a peripheral hem ensuring that the length of the
external circumference of the article is preserved as this device
enhances the strength of the covering, which is subjected to
considerable tensile stress in the event of particularly strong
winds.
[0015] According to the second feature of the invention, the
respective positions of the ribs and the forks make it possible to
install easily and removably two independent covering cloths, which
makes it possible to replace them either to match the pattern or
the colour of the cloth with that of one's clothes or with the
function that the article is expected to perform (umbrella or
parasol, for example), or to repair or clean them. The upper cloth
is installed from above and locked at the top by an end piece
forced or screwed into place, and from the below by means of an
elastic band or other system fixing onto the forks. The lower cloth
is installed from below, using a hem or slide ring device disposed
about the ribs and by an elastic band or other type of device fixed
on the ribs to keep them taut.
[0016] The peripheral ends of the branches of the invention, which
delimit the outer surface occupied by the article no longer have
any dangerous pointed elements as these ends are fitted with
rounded caps which are, moreover, located inside a hem of the lower
cloth and are thus no longer any danger to persons in the
neighbourhood. If a system comprising a cord to prevent the article
from being blown inside out were to be arranged therein, this would
further enhance this type of safeguard.
[0017] The basic device of the invention, namely the mast composed
of two parts sliding one in the other, provides a simple solution
to the problem of folding the mast. Indeed, when the article is
closed, that is to said folded up, the device for fastening the
ribs together is located well over half way up the mast, which
makes it possible to limit the length of the external part of the
mast to a length corresponding to half of the mast. In this
particular case, the internal part of the mast can thus receive a
joint in the area of its half-length; this joint will, moreover, be
held rigidly in place when the article is deployed since the
external part of the mast, by coming into place through the
downward movement, will encompass and stabilise this joint; thus
the length of the article in folded position could reduce its
deployed length by half. If the article is foldable, the invention
will be provided with ribs constituted by two hinged parts. The
forks are hinged at one end, beyond the median joint of the ribs,
the purpose of this being to deploy the peripheral half-rib by
means of a lever mechanism at the time of opening.
[0018] In the case of the parasol, if the relative movement of the
two parts of the mast is not limited, the parasol can open upwards,
which makes it less dangerous since it cannot then blow away, which
is the cause of a great number of accidents on the beaches and
elsewhere.
[0019] In the case of the grapnel and of protection for a lance, it
is this reversal that is particularly advantageous since it affords
protection, in the case of protection for the lance, and enables
the grapnel to be disengaged.
[0020] In the case of the drogue, a covering of varying size is
fixed onto the claws of a type of grapnel the structure of which
would be less dense than that of a grapnel since a grapnel is
supposed to sink, while a drogue has to float.
[0021] According to the particular forms of embodiment:
[0022] The cross-section of the mast can be of various shapes:
round, square, rectangular, oval, rectangular with rounded corners,
as well as of any size, both in diameter and in length. In the
particular case of an awning, the structure can be provided by
several masts, with each of said masts bearing a smaller number of
branches and branches which could be disposed solely on one side of
the mast.
[0023] Each of the two parts, interior and exterior, of the mast
can be constituted by one or more parts in order, among other
things, to facilitate transport of the article and also to be able
to adjust the useful height thereof.
[0024] The branches, that is to say the ribs and forks, can also
have various cross-sections: round, square, rectangular, oval,
rectangular with rounded corners, solid, hollow, split, with
grooves or channels; they can also be twinned, that is to say that
a branch can be formed of several parts, identical or
otherwise.
[0025] It would be very advantageous to use twin forks, that is to
say two forks side by side, hinging to pull a single rib.
[0026] The ribs can be hinged in the case of the foldable
invention.
[0027] The covering, composed of one or more cloths, fixed or
removable, can be made of various materials: various fabrics made
of plastic, vinyl, aluminium, tulle, cotton, taffetas, surah,
satin, serge, lace, latex, leather or antenna cable.
[0028] The outer edge of the lower covering can receive, in a hem,
an adjustable cord limiting the circumference of this covering,
reinforcing the safeguard against turning inside out and enabling
the article to be held closed.
[0029] The system for fastening the coverings on the branches can
be designed in various ways: with hooks, press-studs, Velcro
fasteners, by engaging a piece in the groove in the branch or by
means of a sliding ring.
[0030] The mast can be hinged to make the invention foldable.
[0031] The mast can be provided with a built-in foot.
[0032] The mast can have a pedal or handle type device fixed to its
external part to help in the operation of opening the article.
[0033] The end piece that is located on the apical portion of the
article can receive a tip, a ball or a piece of an intermediate
shape; such shapes can be solid or hollow; this end piece is
removable, "forced" or screwed onto the interior part of the mast
on which it holds the central part of the covering.
[0034] The handle can be a conventional hook type handle, as well
as having other shapes: straight and pointed in the case, for
example, of a parasol, in the shape of an arched handle, a pommel,
or a ring in the case of a grapnel.
[0035] A compression ring can be suitably disposed, optionally,
between the shoulder and the slide ring so as to make it easier to
open the device according to the invention.
[0036] The invention is illustrated by the annexed drawings,
wherein:
[0037] FIG. 1 illustrates the principle of the invention. The
left-hand half of the drawing shows the structure as it is when the
article is in closed position, and the right-hand half of the
drawing shows it as it is when the article is in open position;
[0038] FIG. 2 is a longitudinal cross-section of the invention in
closed position, in the event of the invention being an
umbrella;
[0039] FIG. 3 shows a detail of the upper part of the same
article;
[0040] FIG. 4 shows the upper cloth of the covering, viewed from
above, a cloth which, in this drawing, is cross ruled;
[0041] FIG. 5 shows the lower cloth of the covering, viewed from
above, likewise cross ruled;
[0042] FIG. 6 is a simplified longitudinal cross-section of the
invention when it is in open position. To avoid rendering the
drawing unnecessarily complex, a part of the branches and of the
covering on one side only is shown;
[0043] FIG. 7 shows a device for fastening and hinging the
branches:
[0044] FIG. 7a shows a device for hinging the ribs on the slide
ring;
[0045] FIG. 7b shows a device for hinging the forks on the
shoulder;
[0046] FIG. 7c shows a device for hinging the forks on the one for
the ribs, the hook for fixing the elastic band also being
shown;
[0047] FIG. 8 shows the fitting together of the fork and rib
hinging devices in the case of a foldable umbrella:
[0048] FIG. 8a illustrates the closed position;
[0049] FIG. 8b shows the open position;
[0050] FIG. 9 shows the invention in the case of an umbrella. To
avoid rendering the drawing unnecessarily complex, a part of the
branches and of the covering on one side only is shown;
[0051] FIG. 10 shows a device making the mast foldable and housing
in the two parts of the internal rod of the mast:
[0052] FIG. 10a shows a side view of this device in folded
position;
[0053] FIG. 10b shows the same device, in a view perpendicular to
that of FIG. 9a (except for pieces 20 and 21), but in the position
of an open article in which the joint (23) is locked, hence the
mast is straight;
[0054] FIG. 11 shows a so-called garden type parasol whereof the
part of the internal mast is in 2 parts. The left-hand side of the
drawing shows the parasol closed, and the right-hand side shows the
parasol open. A foot with a locking system has been sketched
in.
[0055] FIG. 12 shows a so-called stall cover in open position. Only
one bearing branch is shown. A garment is suspended to illustrate
the support function.
[0056] FIG. 13 shows a grapnel:
[0057] FIG. 13a shows the grapnel closed in storage and throwing
position;
[0058] FIG. 13b shows the grapnel in active, gripping position;
[0059] FIG. 13c shows the grapnel in the so-called disengagement
inverted position.
[0060] FIG. 14 shows a means of protection for a spray lance:
[0061] FIG. 14a shows the lance protection means in closed,
transport position;
[0062] FIG. 14b shows the lance protection means in open position,
for use with a jet;
[0063] FIG. 15 shows a fruit gathering device in gathering
position.
[0064] To facilitate the description of the invention, the
nomenclature will refer to a particular example, first of all that
of the umbrella (FIGS. 2 to 10) and, to specify the positions of
each piece, we shall take the case in which the article is held in
a normal open position, namely with the holding handle towards the
ground and the protective covering deployed skywards.
[0065] With reference to these drawings, the interior mast (1) is
the axis of the article since it is onto it that the handle (2),
the end piece (3) and the shoulder (5) are fixed. The forks (4) are
fixed freely, i.e. with a joint that permits a movement of sagittal
rotation on the internal part of the mast (1), by the conventional
device, existing on articles of the same type, known as the
shoulder (5). The external rod of the mast (6) is hollow and of a
slightly larger diameter in order to be able to slide about the
internal rod of the mast (1). To the external rod of the mast (6)
the ribs (7) are freely fixed by a conventional device called the
slide ring (8), which is conventionally to be found in similar
articles. It should be noted that, by comparison with a
conventional article of the same type, the branches are inverted,
the short ones (4) being above the long ones (7). The forks and the
ribs are freely fixed to one another by an original joint (9), and
to the shoulder and the slide ring by an end with a conventional
eye (10) held by a wire. In the case of a double covering, the
lower covering (11) has, as a fastening device, a hem of the cloth
(12) into which each rib (7) is inserted. This lower covering (11)
is stretched by being held, at the peripheral end, by the closure
of the hem (12) and, centrally, by a round elastic band (13)
running through a hem fastening onto a hook (14) integrally fixed
to the rib (7). The upper covering (15) is fixed to the apex of the
interior part of the mast (1) by fitting on the end piece (3) and
by a round, circular elastic band (16) fastening onto hooks (17)
integrally fixed to the peripheral ends of the forks (9). A hem
(18) located in the peripheral region of the lower covering (11)
can receive a cord (19) which can be tightened to varying degrees
to adjust the size of the circumference of the invention. This cord
(19) can also be used to hold the invention in closed position.
[0066] In view of the different fastening devices previously
described, the movement towards the handle (2) of the external part
of the mast (6) causes the slide ring (8) to move away in relation
to the shoulder (5). This movement, given that the forks (4) are
fastened to the ribs (7) by the device (9), leads to the deployment
of the ribs (7) as well as of the lower (11) and upper (15)
coverings which are fixed thereto. A conventional device (20) for
temporarily halting the relative movement of the two rods of the
mast ensures that the invention is held open when it is disposed in
the complementary opening (21). A device in the form of a
compression spring (22) could also assist the opening of the
invention since the spring compressed between the shoulder (5) and
the slide ring (8) will be compressed upon closing and will thus
release its potential energy upon opening.
[0067] In its foldable form, the invention has a first device hinge
device (23) for the internal part of the mast which can take the
form of a double ball, or ball-ball, joint of the screen or bicycle
chain type (23), but it could also be made of a flexible material
such as rubber, cordage or metallic braiding. This hinge device
(23), whatever it is, is locked, hence rendered rigid, by the
external part of the mast that envelops it when the article is open
and the locking system (20 and 21) is in conjunction. This device
for folding the mast can also be found in the case of parasols and
other, similar articles. In its foldable form, the invention has a
second adapting means in the area of the ribs (7). The latter are
in two parts to enable them to fold back. In this case too, the
forks hinge on the end of the central part of the outer half-rib
(9), while the half-ribs hinge on one another between this end and
the other (9') in such a way as to produce a lever effect in order
for the forks, when pulling, to deploy this outer half-rib and thus
open the covering.
[0068] In its stall cover type umbrella or parasol form, the mast
can also assume its foldable form. The length of the outer part of
the mast can be more or less extended. The inner part of the mast
can be in two parts and a pedal or an operating handle (32) can be
fitted onto the external part of said mast to facilitate operation.
A foot can also be integrated into this structure.
[0069] In its stall cover form (FIG. 12), one or more holding
cables (24) per rib are fastened to the shoulder (5) and to a
mobile attachment system for rib (7) to enhance its strength;
however, this device is in no way essential: it depends on the load
that would be fastened to the ribs.
[0070] In the case of the grapnel (FIG. 13), a so-called security,
or lock, pin (25) prevents opening in the gripping position. Once
this pin (25) has been removed, the grapnel can open, with the
claws (7) folding upwards against the internal part of the mast
(1). The cord or tether (26) passes through an orifice in the
grapnel and holds the boat or other craft at its end. In the case
of protection for a spray lance (FIG. 14) the device opens to the
point of inverting. A single covering (11) which is impermeable
and, if possible, transparent, fits over the branches (4 and 7). An
operating lever (27) serves to actuate the opening, locking and
closing of the device.
[0071] The fruit gathering device (FIG. 14) is a sort of reversely
arranged parasol placed on a travelling system (28) ensuring its
positioning and transport. After tree beating, the fruit (31,
olives, plums, walnuts, etc.) drops onto the cloth (11), rolls and
falls through the opening (11') into a crate (29) designed to
receive it. The external mast (6), thanks to a joint (30), holds
the device in open position and in closed position, and serves to
tow the article by causing it to travel on two wheels.
* * * * *